EWR Co lodged a prior information notice (PIN) on July 5, which is expected to feature in the Official Journal of the European Union this week.

“Reactions to our approach from the rolling stock market have been extremely positive,” says EWR Co chief executive, Mr Simon Blanchflower. “We’ve taken a purposeful approach to procurement, using this engagement period to effectively de-risk the project by working with the market to understand what’s available to meet our entry into service requirements, before defining our specifications.”

The PIN has requested that interested parties refrain from further interactions with EWR Co until the formal process begins.

The East West Rail project will link Oxford, Bicester, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Phase 1 between Oxford and Bicester has been completed, while phase 2 proposes reopening the lines from Bicester and Aylesbury Vale Parkway to Bletchley as well as major track and signalling upgrades between Bletchley and Bedford, and Milton Keynes.

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